Magong Jin Gui Tou Fort (Under Renovation, Not Open to Public) Introduction
Located on the westernmost part of the Magong Peninsula in Penghu Island, southwest of the southwest gate of Mazu City and on the top of Turtle Head Mountain (now Magong Bay), it faces the east-west diagonal of Shetou Mountain at Fengguiwei, formerly known as Dasyan Island. This site has historically housed the West Garrison of Magong Bay (Western Harbor Fortress) as the right arm of Magong, opposing the watchtower and fortress at Fengguiwei. The vaulted barracks are the primary architectural form of the Jinguitou Artillery Platform and a main characteristic of fortifications in the Penghu region. The construction of the barracks features thick walls made of rectangular stones, measuring 110-115 cm, serving as a foundation for the side walls. Arched vaults made of red bricks cap the walls, with the thickness of the brick arch hard to discern from the intact site, but it generally consists of four layers. To protect the brick surface from water ingress, a layer of earthen mixture is applied on top, creating a rounded, protruding roof shape. The surface of this mixture is then coated with asphalt for additional protection. Due to years of use, surface loosening has caused cracking, necessitating the application of another asphalt waterproof layer, followed by a layer of cement mortar for outer protection. If concealment is needed, it is coated with thick oil paint (deep green for the outer layer), which has become the standard practice for this fortress. The outer walls and edges of door and window openings are usually painted deep green, while the interiors are painted white to create a brighter feel in the enclosed spaces. Currently, the barracks have been partitioned into spaces of various sizes for usage; the longest barrack on the southeast side (Building U) serves as the commander's room, armory, security officer's room, counselor's room, and main dormitory. The shortest barrack on the northwest side (Building Y) is used as a rest area, sergeant’s dormitory, and carrier station. The barrack facing the sea front (Building V) is designated for the deputy commander’s room, squad leader’s room, materials storage, administration office, and paint storage. While these spaces are generally well-preserved, many of the doors and windows have been altered, added with screens, and the walls contain cluttered electric pipes and gas lines that need organizing or restoring to their original state. The roof is currently in the worst condition, with significant surface cracking and protective layers gradually peeling off, requiring careful excavation and thorough repair from the waterproof layer. The cluttered piping should also be updated during repairs. Additionally, the roof has a ventilation pipe outlet, which should not just be a simple iron cover but ideally replaced with copper to prevent rust. If the environment allows, an investigation of the original partitions indoors should be conducted and documented to prevent future alterations from obscuring historical remains.